Acetylene-gas apparatus.



Patented- Mar., l2, 190|. w. W. CAMP.

ACETYLENE GAS APPARATUS.

(Appljcationled Ag. 25, 1898.!

3 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

/NVENTOH WW@- A TTORNE YS.

N0. 669,74I. Patented Mal'. I2, IQGI.

W. W. CAMP.

ACETYLENE G'AS APPARATUS.

(Application led Aug. 25, 1898.\

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(Nn Model.)

ENT? @9%W TTOHNEYS w/TNESSES 5MM No.. 669,74l. Patented Mar. |2,I |901.

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ACETYLENE GAS APPARATUS. (Application filed Aug. 25, 1898A (No Model.) 3 sheets-sheet 3.

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Nrrnn STATES AVILLAIAM WATSON OAMP, OF SMITHVILLE, CANADA.

ACETYLENE-GAS APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 669,741, dated March 12, 1901. Application led August 25, 1898. Serial No. 689,513. (No model.)

Eb MZ tf1/tom t may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM WATSON CAMP, of Smithville, in the Province of Ontario and Dominion of Canada, have invented a new and Improved Gas Apparatus, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

My apparatus is of that class of gas-making apparatus which uses an excess of liquid within which a small amount of gas-forming material-*such as carbid of calcium, for example-is inserted, as necessitated by the consumption of the gas. The generator and gasometer are preferably made separate, but connected, and the insertionof the gas-form ing material is controlled by the fall of the gasometerebell. The generator is in the form of a bell, its lower edge extending into a tank of water for keeping the generator supplied and forming-a seal to prevent the escape ot' The gases which are formed in said generator. Preferablyv this water-tank has an open top and is integral with the generator, and the cans of gas-forming material are introduced through said tank and under the edge of said generator.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification,

in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a side elevation of my device with a portion of the generator 4in section. FigA 2 is a cross-sectional elevation taken upon the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation taken through the generatortank, showing one of the carbid-holders being inserted beneath the partition. Fig. 4 is a top plan view with the guides in section, showing the mechanism for controlling the insertion of carbid. Fig. 5 is a perspective view'showing the trip mechanism for regulating the control of the carbid, and Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation in perspective of the carbid-holder.

The gasometer is of the usual form, consisting of a tank A, open at the top, and a gas0meter-bell A', which is open at the bottom and lits within the tank A, the latter tank being filled With water, which forms a seal. The upper tank or bell Al is provided with the guide-pulleys A3, running upon guide-bars A2, attached to the tank A and holders.

The generator consists of a tank B, having a vertical partition b, extending across the upper portion thereof. This partition is 1ocated near the middle of the tank and terminates at some distance from the bottom of the tank, leaving a space beneath it,l through which the carbid-holder may be passed from one side to the other. That portion of the tank on one side of the partition b is open at the top. The other portion is provided with a cover b', which makes an air-tight connection with the partition b and one wall of the tank. This portion of the tank in eect forms an inverted bell adapted to collect the gas as it is generated. This bell might be constructed independent of the tank, if so desired; but the construction described is preferred. The pipe O, which delivers the gas to the gasometer, is connected to the upper portion of the bell and is also provided with the valve O', by means of which it may be closed, so to permit inspection orclean.- ing of the generator without loss of gas from the collector. The tank and the bell are filled or nearly filled with water.

Upon one side of the open section of the tank opposite the bell or partition b which forms the bell are a series of vertically-extending guides H. Mounted to sli-de upon these guides are a series of weights G2, each provided with outwardly-extending arms G3, to which are pivotally attached links G. The opposite ends of said links are pivotally attached to an arm or base G, adapted to be secured in any convenient manner to the outer cylinder of the carbid-holder D. This arm or base G has a hook g extending loutward beyond the carbid-holder. As herein shown, the device is provided with six of these weights G2 and is adapted to hold six carbid- The number which is to be used is dependent entirely upon the conditions in each case. Each of these carbid-holders D is maintained in its upper position, as shown in Fig. 2, by a pivoted bar or plate F. This bar is pivoted upon a rod F', which extends back of the guides H. The plate F is maintained in its horizontal position by means of IOO a spring-catch f, which is pivoted upon a rod f2 and is held downward against the bar F by means of a spirally-coiied spring f', which is secured at one end to the rod f2 and at the other to the catch f. The depression of the catchf is limited by a rod f2, which extends across the device. The rear end of the plate F extends to a point immediately above the pivot-rod f of t-he catch f, so that the plate f and its connection with the rod f acts as a hook to hold the plates F and E. Spring f2 does not have to support the weight of the holder D. By supporting the carbid-holders independently of each other I secure evident convenience in inspection and handling for purposes of repair orlilling and emptying, tbc.

Extending across the device back of the guides H is a bar I, to which are attached a series of guide-rods J and J. These rods extend vertically,the rods J extending upwardly from the bar I and the rods J' extending downwardly therefrom. These rods are arranged in pairs, the rods J lying close alongside of and practically in contact with the edge of the catch f. The rods J are separated from the rods Jl a distance which is immaterial, so long as it permits the passage of the arm K between. The upper ends of the lower rods J extend above the catch f, and the lower ends of the rods J terminate above said catch, but below the upper ends of the rods J.

Attached to and moving with the risingand-falling gasometer-bell is a horizontal bar K, which is alongside of the guide-rods J and J. Upon this bar K is mounted a trip K', consisting of a frame surrounding the bar K and having a small wheel K3 journaled therein andrunning upon the upper edge of the barK. Thistriphasanarm extendingdownwardly and terminating in a side extending pin 7c. This pin goes far enough to one side to engage the rods J and J. The trip K' is caused to move along the bar F by having a cord K2 attached thereto, said cord extending horizontally over a guide-pulley and having a weight K4 attached to the lower end thereof. This weight is sufh'cient to cause the trip to travel-along the bar K.l

When the gasometer-bell is in its upper position, the pin 7c is in engagement with one of the rods J and slides up and down upon the same as the gasometer rises and falls. When the gasometer-bell falls to a certain point, the pin lo will pass beneath the lower end `of the rod J. The trip is freed from the rod J and is drawn along the bar K until the pin strikes the rod J The pin is thus placed immediately over the catch f. The further descent of the gasometer-bell will cause the pin to depress one end ot' the catch f and finally to release the bar F, which supports the carbid-holder. When the carbid-holder is released, it drops into the open portion of the generator-tank. The weight G2 is suiiicient to cause the carbid-holder to sink until the hook g thereof comes in contact with the rod F2, which extends across the generator-tank close to the bottom edge of the partition b. When the hook g engages the rod F2, the further descent caused by 'the weight G2 causes the carbid-holder D to swing laterally, as shown in Fig. 3. This movementis continued until the weight descends to the position indicated in Fig. 2. This. forces the carbidholder beneath the partition b and upward into the bell formedby the inclosed portion of the tank, its lower edge being substan t-ially in the plane of the lower edge of the part-ition or seal b, so that the gases formed even when most active will have no lateral escape into the tank B.

The gas generated by the decomposition ot' the carbid is rst collected by the bell and delivered through the pipe C to the gasometer. The gasometer-bell then rises until the pin 7c passes above the upper end ofthe rod J. The weightK4 upon the end of the cord K2 causes the trip K to travel along the bar K until it comes in contact with the next one of the rods J. it will then travel up this rod as the gas is generated, and then down as itis consumed. In this way the catchesffor the various carbidholders are tripped in succession, and the generator is charged anew.

The carbid-holders are of a peculiar construction, as shown clearly in Fig. The inner portion of the carbid-holder consists of a cylinder D', having a tight bottoni and having a large number of holes or perforations formed in the sides thereof. Over the lower portion of this cup is fitted a second cup or cover D2. This cover tit-s closely upon the cup D' and extends downwardly, preferably about two-thirds the length of the lower cup. The top or end of this cover is provided with a hole d, through which the gas may readily escape. This hole is surrounded by an exterior circular band d', which is provided with a series of perforations d2 near its upper edge and adapted to permit the passage ot' the gas. Outside of this inner portion of the carbidholder is a loosely-fitting cylinder E. This extends the entire length of the inner holder and is open at both top and bottom. The upper end of this outer cylinder, is closed, however, by a conical cap E. The lower portion of this cap is made of a cylindrical shape and fits closely over the upper end of the cylinder E. A packing-ring E2, of rubber or any suitable packing material, is placed between the cylindrical portion of the conical cap and the upper end of the cylinder. This makes an air-tight connection between the two and permits of a slight motion of the cap upon the cylinder. This motion is limited by means ofthe staples e'and the links or hooks e, the former being secured to the cylinder E and the latter to the cap E.

The carbid-holders are secured to the arm or base G, as previously mentioned and in an inverted position, the conical cap being down. When inserted in the generator, the position is reversed, the conical cap being IOO IIO

IIS

upward. When inserted beneath the water, the water will enter the carbid-holder and canse generation of the gas. The cap E' will ill with gas, and its buoyancy will act to hold the carbid-holder up to the desired level in the generator. The air contained in it at the time of its introduction will of course have the same effect. `The carbid being inclosed within a holder which may be readily removed, the lime caused by the decomposition of the carbid Will b e retained in the holder and removed with the holder, so that the generator will not become filled with a deposit of lime.

When the machine is put in operation or after the holders have all been filled, the trip K is moved to the farther end of the guidebar. As the gas is consumed the trip will move along and in succession cause the insertion of each of the carbid-holders. The holders` are filled and returned to their original position by hand.

It is evident that the generator-tank may be made as a circular or annular tank surd rounding the gasometer when desired. This is only the substitution of acircular form for a straight form. The mechanism by which the same is operated will not vary from the mechanism described heretofore.

It is evident that my generator is equally of use in the manufacture of other gases which are formed by introducing a gas-making material into a liquid.

Having described an apparatus embodying my invention in what appears to me its most practical form, I claim the following-defined novel features, all substantially as set forth:

l. In a gas-making apparatus, the combination of a tank for the liquid, ageneratingtank, a sealed communication between said tanks, a gasometer, means operated by said gasorneter for introducing the gas-forming material into the generating-tank, and means for preventingr the formation of gas outside of said generating-tank during such introduction.

2. In a gas-making apparatus, the combination of a tank for the liquid, a generatingtank, a sealed communication between said tan ks, a gasometer, a holder for gas-forming material, and means operated by said gasometer for introducing said holder into said generating-tank.

3. In a gas-making apparatus, the combination of a tank for the liquid, a generatingtank, a sealed communication between said t-anks, a gasometer, means operated by said gasometer for introducing the gas-forming material into the generating-tank, and means for preventing the escape of gas through said seal.

4. In a gas-forming apparatus, the combination of a tank for the liquid, a generatingtank, a sealed communication between said tanks, a gasometer, means operated by said gasometer for introducing the gas-forming material into the generatingtank,`and means for elevating said gas-forming material so as to prevent the formation of gas below the level of said seal.

5. A gas-making apparatus, comprising a tank for the liquid, a generating-tank open at the bottom and extending into the liquid in the liquid-tank, a holder for the gas-forming material normally supported outside of the liquid-tank, a weight adapted to immerse the holder and carry it beneath the generating-tank, means normally holding the weight and holder raised, and means automatically releasing the same.

6. A gas-making apparatus, comprising a tank for the liquid, a generating-tank open at the bottom and extending into the liquid in the liquid-tank, a holder for the gas-forming material normally supported outside the liquid-tank, a weight adapted to immerse the holder and carry it beneath the generatingtank,and a catch normally holding the Weight and holder raised and released by the descent of the gasometer.

7. In a gas making apparatus, an opentopped water-tank, a gas collector or bell open at the bottom and extending into the water at the tank, a holder for gas-forming material normally supported outside the tank,a weight mounted to slide on guides and connected with the holder, said weight being adapted to immerse the holder and carry it beneath the bell, and a catch normally holding the weight raised and released by the descent of the gasometer.

8. In a gas-making apparatus, an opentopped water-tank, a gas collector or bell open at the bottom and extending into the water of the tank, a holder for gas-forming material normally supported outside the be1l,a weight mounted to slide on guides, a link connecting the weight with the holder, and a catch adapted to engage the holder in its descent and to swing it Linder the bell.

9. In a gas-making apparatus, an opentopped water-tank, a gas collectoror bell open at the bottom and extending into the water in the tank, a vertical guide extending down into the tank, a weight mounted to slide thereon, a link pivoted to the Weight, a clamp or base adapted to secure the holder for the gasforming material and pivoted to the link,said holder, and a catch adapted to engage the clamp or base in its descent and to swing thel holder beneath the bell.

10. In a gas-making apparatus, an opentopped Water-tank, a gas collector or bell open at the bottom and extending into the water in the tank, a vertical guide extending down into the tank,a Weight mounted to slide thereon,a catch normally holding the weight raised, a link pivoted to the weight, aclamp or base adapted to secure a holder for the gas-forming material thereto and pivoted to the link, said holder, a catch adapted to engage the clamp in its descent and to swing the holder beneath the bell, and means for freeing the catch by the descent of the gasometer-bell.

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11. A holder for gas-forming material having a gas-tight buoyant portion adapted for holding it up to a desired point.

12. A holder for gas-forming material havinga hollow gas-tight portion for adding buoyancy thereto, whereby said holder is continually maintained at a desired point.

13. A holder for gas-forming material having a chamber therein for receiving a portion of the gas and retaining the same, and means for permitting said chamber to expand.

14. A holder forgas-forrning material, comprising a cup having perforated sides, a cap fitting tightly over the cup and having gasescape apertures therein, and a second cup fitting loosely over the perforated cup and its cap.

15. A holder for gas-formin g material, comprising a cup having perforated sides, a cap fitting tightly over the cup and having gasescape apertures therein, and a second cup fitting loosely over the perforated cup and its cap, and consisting of two parts, a cylinder, and a conical cap closely fitting one end of the cylinder and havinga longitudinal movement thereon:

16. A gas apparatus, comprising a generator-tank having a vertical partition extend` -ing across the upper portion thereof, that portion of the tank on one side of the partition being covered and forming a gas collector or bell, a series of holders for gas-forming mat-erial temporarily supported above the open part of the tank, a rising-and-falling gasometer, and means operated thereby for successively immersing the holders and carrying them vbeneath the partition.

17. A gas apparatus, comprising a risingand -falling gasometer, a frame alongside thereof, a series of levers pivoted on the frame and adapted to support a charge of gas-forming material, a catch normally holding the levers up, a horizontal bar mounted on the gasometer-bell, and a trip mounted to slide on the said bar and having a step-by-step movement upon said bar, whereby it is adapted to successively engage the trips and free a charge of gasforming material at each descent of the bell.

18. A gas apparatus, comprising a risingand falling gasometer, a frame alongside thereof, a series of levers pivoted on the frame and each adapted to support a charge of gas-forming material, a catch normally holdingthe levers up, ahorizontal bar mounted on the gasometer-bell, a trip mounted to slide on said bar, a cord and weight attached thereto, a pair of tri p-controlliug rods for each trip, said rods slightly overlapping and being laterally separated, the lower end of the upper and the upper end of the lower being above the catch, and a side extending arm' on the trip engageable with both rods, Whereby the trip is caused to successively engage the catches and free the holders for gas-forming material.

WILLIAM WATSON CAMP.

Witnesses HEN'laY CARPENTER, M ARY QUILL. 

